Under the general supervision of the Director of Economic Development, the Planning Manager oversees key planning initiatives and manages critical development projects that shape the City of Duncanville. This position is responsible for assisting in the development, monitoring, and application of comprehensive planning policies, reviewing zoning, subdivision and site plan proposals, assisting in the preparation of neighborhood and district plans, and providing project updates to citizens, developers, community leaders, Boards and Commissions members, and City Council.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position.

Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Amendments

· Oversee and manage the City’s Comprehensive Plan, ensuring its aligned and fulfilled efficiently with Duncanville’s long-term growth and developmental goals

· Review and make recommendations on zoning amendments and land use policies to support sustainable development.

· Ensure the Comprehensive Plan update process is inclusive, collaborative, and transparent to all stakeholders, including the community, developers, and public officials.

Design Review Committee (DRC)

· Serve as the main point of contact for the DRC.

· Coordinate plan reviews with all internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and efficient loops.

· Manage the Design Review Committee, overseeing the review and approval of design standards, site plans, and architectural designs for development projects in Duncanville.

Project Management & Staff Reports

· Manage all planning and zoning-related projects, including coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, consultants, and community groups.

· Prepare and present staff reports for the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council, providing clear and concise information on development proposals, zoning changes, and policy recommendations.

· Track project timelines and deliverables to ensure all planning initiatives are on schedule and within scope.

Entitlement Process Improvement

· Identify opportunities to streamline and improve the City’s entitlement process, ensuring it is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of both developers and the community.

· Collaborate with the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council, and other departments to ensure that the entitlement process is user-friendly and minimizes unnecessary delays.

Training and Development for the Planning and Zoning Commission

· Develop and coordinate training programs for Planning and Zoning Commission members, focusing on best practices, regulations, and emerging trends in urban planning and zoning.

· Provide support to the P&Z Commission in their decision-making processes by offering tools, resources, and training to enhance their knowledge and effectiveness in planning-related matters.

Stakeholder Engagement & Public Communication

· Foster collaborative relationships with developers, property owners, community groups, and other stakeholders to ensure that planning decisions reflect the needs and desires of the community.

· Facilitate public meetings, workshops, and forums to engage residents and stakeholders in the planning and development process.

· Communicate complex planning issues and proposals to both technical and non-technical audiences in a clear, approachable manner.

Miscellaneous

• Performs additional duties as assigned that fall within the scope of the job functions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, and four (4) years of related work experience. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be accepted on a year for year basis. The total qualifying equivalent combination is eight (8) years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Knowledge of computer software skills including Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite

· Skilled in project management with experience in managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, including setting and meeting deadlines.

· Ability to make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations

· Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data and/or information using established criteria; includes exercise of discretion in determining actual or probable consequences, and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives

· Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations

· Ability to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as zoning and subdivision codes, planning maps, state statutes and city ordinances

· Ability to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principals and calculations

· Ability to exercise judgement, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria

· Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of land-use planning principles, government regulatory principles and data collection relative to land-use planning

· Comprehensive knowledge of zoning ordinances including form based codes and transportation plans

Ability to maintain proficiency and knowledge of current and/or new regulations/legislation within areas of responsibility

• Effective verbal, presentation, and listening communication skills.

· Preferred: Spanish / English bilingualism is a plus.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

· The candidate must have a valid, US driver’s license

· Regular attendance at evening council and commission meetings is required

· AICP certification preferred